CHANDON ROSÉ VN, Méthode Traditionnelle, California, United States of America

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $34.95
Grape: 50% Chardonnay, 44% Pinot Noir, 6% Pinot Meunier
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Moët & Chandon
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Refreshing, dry sparkling rosé that is not complex, but it is very pleasant to drink

Positives: Salmon in colour with a fine mousse that features lightly toasted, strawberry, raspberry and lime.

Negatives: None

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with smashed twice fried green banana.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: January 5, 2019

LCBO: 405555

VIENI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $22.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A lighter style Cab that’s very pleasant

Description: Light to medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, wild cherries, boysenberry, red & black currants, black pepper, cassis and cinnamon. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 2-4 of years on its own or pair it with Pork Medallions in Balsamic Red Currant Sauce.

Tasted: 5 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI SEMI-DRY RIESLING 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $16.95
Grape: Riesling
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 10% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice easy drinking Riesling, not too tart, not too sweet with only 10% alcohol

Description: Medium straw to yellow with a green ting in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose and some frizzante on the pour. This wine features lemon/lime, green and yellow apples, peach and orange blossom on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with Lemongrass Roasted Chicken.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI RIESLING 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $17.95
Grape: Riesling
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A dry Riesling full of citric flavours that craves for food

Description: Medium straw to yellow with a green ting in colour with a medium intense nose and some frizzante on the pour. This wine features lemon rind, grapefruit, green apples, passion fruit and limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with Sweet and Sour Passionfruit & Pineapple Chicken.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: On the Fence

VIENI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

An intense New Zealand styled Sauv

Description: Light straw with a green tinge in colour and an intense nose. This wine features guava, gooseberry, grapefruit, lime, green apples, honeydew melon, passion fruit and Lantanas.  Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next couple of 5 years on its own or pair it with Hot and Sour Rhubarb with Crispy Pork.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

MEIOMI CHARDONNAY 2016, Sonoma-Monterey-Santa Barbara Counties, California, United States of America

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Not Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $24.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: 34% Sonoma County, 33% Monterey County, 32% Santa Barbara
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Meiomi Wines
Alcohol: 13.9% Alcohol/Vol.

Sour Ritz crackers

My Opinion: Not Recommended

Tasted: January 4, 2019

VIENI PINOT GRIGIO 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $14.95
Grape: Pinot Grigio
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the better Pinot Grigios on the market

Description: Light straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features grapefruit, green apples, peach and on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: For not being a Pinot Grigio fan, As I prefer Pinot Gris, I do like this wine.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Lemon Chicken Piccata.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI ALLERIA WHITE 2013, VQA Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $12.95
Grape: Chardonnay, Vidal
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Simple, citric, pleasant & all at a great price

Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features lemon, pink grapefruit, green apples, yellow plum and fresh daisies on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Wine has still retained its zest even after 4 years.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Angel Hair Pasta with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic Sauce.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI GAMAY NOIR 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $17.95
Grape: Gamay Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Pleasant bursting with fresh fruit that’s easy drinking & shows why more people should drink Gamay

Description: Light ruby in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features wild cherries, boysenberry, strawberry, black pepper and cinnamon. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Chill to 15C and use the Balloon style glassware.

Drink now or in the next 2-4 of years on its own or pair it with pizza topped with mushroom, pepperoni & tomatoes.

Tasted: 7 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI PRIVATE RESERVE MERLOT 2012, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, Red Wines

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Cost: $29.95
Grape: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Light & juicy merlot but overpriced

Description: Light to medium in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features light oak, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, tamarind and arugula. Medium body with medium+ tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Beef tips in lemongrass and tamarind sauce.

Tasted: 29 July 2017

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8/10 Total: 16.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3

My Opinion: On the Fence